“Since the pandemic, I’ve embraced online learning.”

Independent study is encouraged at university, lessons moved online and lectures were recorded instead of being in person, this has freed up the time of lecturers and given students, like me, a more flexible way of learning. I can log into lectures and watch them at a time that suits me, I can watch them back and not necessarily have to travel to campus every day to excel in my law degree. Studying online and on campus during my first years at university has prepared me well for working in a hybrid style during my work placement. I believe this will prepare me well for my future in the legal sector as it is keeping up with the way that many law firms are moving.

I understand that some would rather be taught in person, just like some would rather go into an office every day, but I believe the option for both should be available to everyone. 

“In my placement role as a junior paralegal who is new to the legal sector and experiencing working from home for the first time, it was daunting at first.”

However, the support I received from my employer and colleagues at Crawford Legal Services has been amazing; I worried about the loneliness and not knowing what I should be doing, but this worry could not have been further from the truth. I have had endless support from my employer, with someone to turn to no matter the situation. I receive guidance from anyone who is available to help, my colleagues are always interested to know how I’m doing and if they can help.

I enjoy going into the office as much as I enjoy working from home. Having the choice of both makes you appreciate both options, and the popularity of the hybrid working style means I am determined to be as productive as I can be during my placement, as this is the way many companies now operate. I want to be prepared for anything that my law career could potentially throw at me, as it can be unpredictable. 

“I feared the unknown, but working from home and in the office makes you appreciate the choice.”

In my opinion, I think the ideal is for employees to go into the office at least one day a week. I think it’s beneficial to immerse yourself in the office culture and meet your colleagues to collaborate on projects in person. I go into the office twice a week and work from home the other days, I enjoy the working split as it makes me appreciate both. I can fit my work life around my personal life and other commitments I have so that I can be more flexible. Going into the office means I can sit with my colleagues and help can be given in person, it showed me the office environment and what it entails. With this being my first legal role there were worries about not knowing how to complete tasks, but Crawford Legal Services have a system in place which provides endless support.

Remote working has allowed companies to hire individuals who are extremely talented without the limitation of hiring people local to the offices available but the company organises days so we can all meet up. It’s a win-win. 

“Leeds Law School has supported me throughout the placement process.”

I expected the placement to be just me working independently without any university contact, but this has not been the case. Even throughout the application process, the Law School supported me by checking through my CV and cover letter, providing feedback and giving me really useful interview tips. 

Since starting my placement, I have exchanged multiple emails with different university staff asking how my placement is and checking in. I have had meetings with my academic advisor and placement module leader, and I know who I can turn to if I need any help or support from the university.

I feel extremely supported in my placement by both the university and the law firm … thank you Leeds Law School for the opportunity!